The Belladonna Invitation by Rose Biggin

-

Release Date: July 18, 2023 - Pre-Order Here

Review on Goodreads

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC in exchange for this honest review


Review:

On the surface, the Belladonna is a mysterious, charismatic, alluring creature that dazzles everyone around her. Adorned with the poisonous plant that shares her name, the Belladonna operates in Parisian society as a sort of non-supernatural vampire. She survives by feeding off the wealthy patrons who long to possess her and attend her deadly, secret salons.


We open the curtains on her life through the eyes of Flora (sometimes just “F.”), a social climber with secrets of her own who manipulates her way into becoming the Belladonna’s personal companion. Through Flora’s eyes we learn that despite the mystery and her unnaturally dark eyes, the Belladonna is a woman who must walk a careful tightrope to maintain her place in society. Flora slides easily into the role of companion, confidante, and organizer until a poet named Lucian arrives and threatens to upend their house of cards.


The tone of the book fits its subject matter and stars perfectly. The Belladonna operates by tantalizing her admirers, remaining aloof, and only revealing the minimum needed to keep them hooked. The novel does this as well. The author masters her own balancing act of maintaining mystery and distance, but still drawing the reader in until the tense conclusion. 


I admire how the author provided enough information that I wasn’t left frustrated, but avoided explaining everything. I do wish there had been more secrets and shocking twists, but that might be my personal taste. The Belladonna Invitation is more of a slow-burn, seductive thriller, perfect for fans of gothic horror.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Monthly Microfiction - December 2021 - Billy's Special Blanket

-
Billy's Special Blanket       Billy tightened the blanket his mother made him around his head. She promised no monsters could hurt him through his special blanket.    The closet door creaked open and all of the monster’s legs spilled out. It crawled across the floor and up onto the bed. A multitude of legs prodded Billy. The monster roared when it could not breach the blanket’s power.  In fury, the monster flailed about, destroying Billy’s room.   His parents charged down the hall and through the door. Then screamed in terror when the creature attacked.    Billy was safe under the blanket, but his parents were not.       Originally published in Beneath from Ghost Orchid Press on May 5, 2021  
Read more

Monthly Microfiction: Under the Ice

-
 Under the Ice  I came to the lake to rescue my sister. Ice covers its surface and I drop to my knees. Together, we bang against the icy barrier between us as I spout useless apologies. Her angry eyes gut me. I didn’t mean to condemn her to this when I brought her body here. Local legend claimed she would come back on the thirteenth day of winter. It did not mention the ice. With a loud crack, her hands break through. Joy fills me but quickly turns to terror when instead of escaping, she pulls me down under the ice with her.   Originally published in Beneath from Ghost Orchid Press on May 5, 2021
Read more

Review: It Calls from the Veil by Eerie River

-
Image
“Eighteen terrifying tales of what lurks behind the veil.” I’ve now read several collections from Eerie River and even with one theme, they always deliver a wide variety of stories, characters, and chills. In our daily lives, the veil separating us from death seems strong, but in this collection, the curtain is little more than thin gauze and dark creatures have no problems creeping through.   Typically when I review an anthology, I try to pick my favourite three stories to highlight, but there were five stories that really stood out for me.   Little Feet by RB Kelly   Alison, her husband, Ben, and their daughter, Mia visit an isolated cabin for Christmas. Setting this tale in the heart of winter, far from their home, added the element of isolation. When they arrive, little Mia finds a creepy doll and becomes obsessed with it. The doll terrifies Alison and begins to torment the family. Alison has to face her seemingly irrational fears to keep her family safe. I appreciated
Read more